Suffering Seminar Brought to Talbot

November 4, 2010

Popular undergrad course now offered to Talbot students; Joni Eareckson Tada scheduled to teach

Since Kathy McReynolds developed the course Theology of Suffering, Disability, and Global Missions, she has had classes full to the brim with undergraduates at Biola University desiring to learn more about the subject. For the first time, the class will now be offered to Talbot School of Theology graduate students in a seminar this interterm from January 24-28, 2011.

McReynolds works with Joni Eareckson Tada’s ministry “Joni and Friends” and saw a need for the course a few years ago - Tada is scheduled to teach one session of the course as well. The class addresses the fundamental question of how could a good and loving God allow such evil and suffering such as war, poverty, famine, and disability.

Considered one of the largest underrepresented groups, there are more than 650 million people worldwide who live with a disability — roughly ten percent of the world’s population. It is also one of the largest unchurched groups on earth. According to McReynolds, people affected by disability have much to teach us about spiritual transformation. Their specific plight — their sufferings both personally and publicly — mirror the human condition and Christian journey in many unique ways.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.